A nighttime cough can be frustrating, especially if you’ve kept it under control all day. Why does a cough seem to get worse at night? Here’s what OhioHealth family medicine physician Laurie Hommema, MD, told us:

If you have a cold, you cough at night because gravity prevents you from clearing excess mucus easily.

If you’re bothered by a nighttime cough, here are some steps to try:

• Gargling with salt water before bed
• Using a cool mist humidifier
• Taking some over-the-counter cold medication
• Elevating your head while you sleep

If you’re coughing at night because of asthma or allergies, work on reducing the allergens in your home. You can:

• Use dust mite covers on your mattress and pillows
• Clean your sheets regularly
• Replace the filter in your furnace
• Take your medications as prescribed
• Don’t smoke!